Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

Sidekick Browser VS SelfControl

Compare Sidekick Browser VS SelfControl and see what are their differences

Note: These products don't have any matching categories. If you think this is a mistake, please edit the details of one of the products and suggest appropriate categories.

Sidekick Browser logo Sidekick Browser

The fastest browser for work ever made

SelfControl logo SelfControl

V2 updates! - Custom time interval for distraction free mode - Ability to turn off ' always on' mode - Improved UI -- Self Control -- A simple app to keep you focused online by blocking sites that you spend way too much time on.
  • Sidekick Browser Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-08-24

Sidekick is designed for the ultimate online work experience and brings together every web tool you use. Today, anyone who works in a browser fights to stay organized. Tabs are out of control, browser windows are all over the place, and desktop apps may work on their own, but they donโ€™t integrate well with the rest of your work on the web.

Sidekick changes all of that.

  • SelfControl Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-06-19

Sidekick Browser features and specs

  • Efficiency Tools
    Sidekick Browser provides built-in task management and productivity tools, such as todo lists and tab management features, which can help boost overall efficiency.
  • Performance
    It is optimized for performance by minimizing resource consumption, making it suitable for users who are multitasking or running multiple tabs.
  • Focus Mode
    The focus mode feature helps users stay concentrated on their tasks by blocking out distractions and unnecessary notifications.
  • Security
    Sidekick Browser emphasizes security with features like ad-blockers and Anti-Phishing measures to protect users while they browse.
  • Integration
    It offers seamless integration with various productivity apps and services like Google Workspace, Trello, and Slack, enhancing workflow efficiency.
  • User Interface
    The browser has a modern and user-friendly interface that makes navigation intuitive and straightforward.

Possible disadvantages of Sidekick Browser

  • Compatibility
    Some users may experience compatibility issues with certain websites or extensions that are optimized for more widely used browsers like Chrome or Firefox.
  • Learning Curve
    Users accustomed to traditional browsers might face a learning curve when switching to Sidekick Browser due to its unique features and layout.
  • Limited Customization
    Compared to other browsers, Sidekick Browser offers fewer options for customization, which might not satisfy users who prefer a highly personalized browsing experience.
  • Resource Usage
    Although optimized for performance, some users have reported that Sidekick Browser can still consume significant system resources, especially with many extensions or tabs open.
  • Subscription Model
    Some advanced features and tools are locked behind a subscription model, which might be a drawback for users looking for a completely free browsing solution.
  • Privacy Concerns
    As with any browser, there may be concerns regarding data privacy and how user information is handled, which users need to consider.

SelfControl features and specs

  • Effective Website Blocking
    SelfControl blocks access to distracting websites based on a customizable blocklist, helping users stay focused.
  • Timer Functionality
    Users can set a timer for how long they want websites to remain blocked, ensuring focused work periods without distraction.
  • Free to Use
    SelfControl is open-source and free to download and use, making it accessible to anyone without financial barriers.
  • Easy to Use
    The interface is straightforward and user-friendly, allowing users to quickly set their preferences and get started.

Possible disadvantages of SelfControl

  • Mac-Only
    SelfControl is only available for macOS, excluding Windows and Linux users from using the application.
  • No Undo Option
    Once the block period is set and started, it cannot be undone even by restarting the computer, which could be an issue if access to blocked sites is needed unexpectedly.
  • Limited Feature Set
    The app primarily focuses on website blocking, lacking additional productivity tools or features like app blocking or usage analytics.
  • No Scheduled Blocking
    SelfControl does not offer the ability to schedule block sessions in advance, meaning users must manually start each session.

Analysis of Sidekick Browser

Overall verdict

  • Sidekick Browser is generally considered a good option for users who prioritize efficiency and productivity. Its features cater particularly well to individuals who spend significant time online managing multiple tasks and projects.

Why this product is good

  • Sidekick Browser is designed to enhance productivity by integrating tools like a built-in ad blocker, session manager, and collaboration features, which makes it appealing to users who need to streamline their digital workflows. It is also Chromium-based, providing compatibility with Chrome extensions.

Recommended for

  • Remote workers
  • Project managers
  • Freelancers who juggle multiple clients
  • Tech-savvy users who use numerous web apps
  • Those who appreciate integrated productivity tools

Analysis of SelfControl

Overall verdict

  • Overall, SelfControl is a highly recommended tool for individuals looking to enhance their productivity by minimizing digital distractions. Its open-source nature and no-nonsense approach make it a popular choice among students, freelancers, and professionals alike.

Why this product is good

  • SelfControl is considered a good application because it effectively blocks distracting websites, helping users focus on their tasks without getting sidetracked by online distractions. It's simple to use, efficient, and highly customizable, allowing users to specify which sites to block and for how long, ensuring a tailored productivity experience.

Recommended for

    SelfControl is ideal for students who need to concentrate on studying, remote workers who want to avoid procrastination, freelancers who require discipline in managing their time, and anyone who needs a simple solution to reduce digital distractions during focused work periods.

Sidekick Browser videos

Sidekick browser video presentation

SelfControl videos

How to block websites that distract you ? Selfcontrol [Mac App review and tutorial]

More videos:

  • Review - SelfControl Review - Block distracting websites

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to Sidekick Browser and SelfControl)
Web Browsers
100 100%
0% 0
Time Tracking
0 0%
100% 100
Productivity
36 36%
64% 64
Time Management
0 0%
100% 100

User comments

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Reviews

These are some of the external sources and on-site user reviews we've used to compare Sidekick Browser and SelfControl

Sidekick Browser Reviews

  1. Asef Dian
    ยท CEO at Bitslay ยท
    So many bugs to fix

    The idea of a productivity based browser is great but since this browser is still new, it has trouble with a lot of things. Sometimes it doesn't open a new tab when i try, sometimes web apps don't open, and overall its not a smooth experience that i could recommend to people

    ๐Ÿ Competitors: Vivaldi, Mozilla Firefox, Brave
    ๐Ÿ‘ Pros:    Everything you need is in the homepage|Looks really pretty|Focuses on productivity|Has control over ram usage and data|A search option that searches all throughout your history, bookmarks, web and everything
    ๐Ÿ‘Ž Cons:    A buggy performance|Short term freezes|Might need some time getting used to the web apps

SelfControl Reviews

We have no reviews of SelfControl yet.
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Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, SelfControl seems to be a lot more popular than Sidekick Browser. While we know about 79 links to SelfControl, we've tracked only 3 mentions of Sidekick Browser. We are tracking product recommendations and mentions on various public social media platforms and blogs. They can help you identify which product is more popular and what people think of it.

Sidekick Browser mentions (3)

SelfControl mentions (79)

  • Oregon School Cell Phone Ban: 'Engaged Students, Joyful Teachers'
    A combination of https://selfcontrolapp.com/ and Hammerspoon automation and you can lock yourself out of pretty much everything. - Source: Hacker News / 3 months ago
  • Kiki โ€“ The accountability monster for people who are easily distracted
    Happy to see it still exists, and free https://selfcontrolapp.com/. - Source: Hacker News / 5 months ago
  • How do you fight YouTube addiction and procrastination? I'm struggling with it
    I have found that a useful method for getting distractions off my work laptop has been https://selfcontrolapp.com/ (if you're on mac). - Source: Hacker News / 10 months ago
  • Using an $8 smart outlet to avoid brainrot
    Pro tip for macos/ios folks: - Macos: Install https://selfcontrolapp.com/, add every website and their alternatives you know, set it to 24 hours. Really hard to bypass this even if you know networking stuff - iOS: Enable downtime 24/7 ask someone else to set the password. I'm down to about 35 minutes a day of mobile usage, and laptop usage is only work related things. You really need two or three days to clear... - Source: Hacker News / about 1 year ago
  • My 30-Year Quitting Addiction
    There is a free and open source app called SelfControl for macOS. It allows one to block access to any site one adds to the list in the app for the amount of time the user chooses. Attempt to use multiple browsers, restarting one's machine, deleting the app, etc. won't get around the block either. It's been super helpful for me, so I thought I'd just throw it out there. https://selfcontrolapp.com. - Source: Hacker News / over 2 years ago
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What are some alternatives?

When comparing Sidekick Browser and SelfControl, you can also consider the following products

Arc - This new web browser is going to kill Chrome

Cold Turkey - Cold Turkey is a free productivity program that you can use to temporarily block distractions so that you can get your work done!

Google Chrome - Google Chrome is a fast, secure, and free web browser, built for the modern web. Give it a try on your desktop today.

Freedom.to - Freedom is a productivity hack that lets you block apps, websites or the entire Internet on iPhones, iPads, Windows and Mac computers.

Brave - Fast and secure, ad and tracker blocking browser.

Focus App - New Tab page that gives you a moment of calm and inspires you to be more productive.